Iowa Code Title I. State Sovereignty and Management [Chs. 1-38D] § 13C.1. Definitions

1. “Charitable organization” means a person who solicits or purports to solicit contributions for a charitable purpose and which receives contributions. “Charitable organization” does not include a political organization, a religious organization, or a state, regionally, or nationally accredited college or university.

2. “Charitable purpose” means a benevolent, educational, philanthropic, humane, scientific, patriotic, social welfare or advocacy, public health, environmental, conservation, civic, or other charitable objective. In the case of law enforcement, emergency medical technician, paramedic, and fire fighter organizations, “charitable purpose” does not include funds raised through the sale of advertisements, products, or tickets for an event unless the organization represents that part of proceeds will be used to assist individuals other than the organization, its members, or their families.

3. “Political organization” means a political party, a candidate for office, or a political action committee required to file financial information with federal or state election or campaign commissions.

4. “Professional commercial fund-raiser” means any person who for compensation solicits contributions in Iowa for a charitable organization other than the person. A person whose sole responsibility is to mail fundraising literature is not a professional commercial fund-raiser. A lawyer, investment counselor, or banker who advises a person to make a charitable contribution is not, as a result of such advice, a professional commercial fund-raiser. A bona fide salaried officer, employee, or volunteer of a charitable organization is not a professional commercial fund-raiser.

5. “Religious organization” means a religious corporation, trust, foundation, association, or organization incorporated or established for religious purposes.

6. “Solicit” or “solicitation” means the request, directly or indirectly, for a contribution on the pleas or representation that the contribution will be used for a charitable purpose. A solicitation is deemed to have taken place whether or not the person making the solicitation receives a contribution. “Solicitation” does not include an application for a grant from any governmental entity or private nonprofit foundation.